Nafe Singh Rathi, the Haryana unit president of the Indian National Lok Dal and a former MLA, was fatally shot on Sunday evening in Jhajjar district by unidentified gunmen who ambushed his SUV. Another party leader who was traveling with him also succumbed to injuries, while two others were critically wounded.
Rathi and his companions were inside the vehicle when the assailants, arriving in a car, opened fire. Following the attack, the perpetrators fled the scene.
The wounded were promptly transported to the nearby Brahm Shakti Sanjivani Hospital for medical treatment, but Rathi, the former MLA, was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Rakesh Sihag, the head of the INLD’s media cell, confirmed Rathi’s death in the shootout.
Rathi had previously served as an MLA of the INLD from Bahadurgarh, where the tragic incident occurred. The state police have heightened vigilance following the shocking attack, swiftly deploying multiple teams to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the assault. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage from various locations in the vicinity to trace the attackers’ arrival and escape routes.
Expressing condolences, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured that every individual involved in the case would face strict legal action.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij has directed officials to take immediate action in the matter.
There are suspicions that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Kala Jathedi might be linked to the attack, with initial investigations pointing towards a property dispute as a potential motive.
The incident has provoked strong reactions from the opposition, which has criticized the BJP-led state government for a breakdown in law and order. INLD leader Abhay Chautala claimed that despite Rathi’s written requests for security months earlier, adequate measures weren’t taken.
Both the opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have condemned the incident.
Nafe Singh Rathi had a significant political career, serving twice as a legislator in the Haryana Legislative Assembly and holding the position of state president of the Haryana Former Legislators Association. He had contested Lok Sabha elections from the Rohtak constituency and was actively involved in political affairs. Additionally, he had served as the Chairman of the Bahadurgarh Municipal Council.
In a separate matter, Rathi had been embroiled in controversy when a case was filed against him under abetment charges after the suicide of former Haryana minister Mange Ram Rathi’s son Jagdish Rathi last year. Allegations of harassment were subsequently made against Rathi and his nephew Sonu in connection with the case. Rathi was granted anticipatory bail by the High Court on January 24, 2023.
